Distributed computing environment via a plurality of regularly spaced, aerially mounted wireless smart sensor networking devices

ABSTRACT

A networking device includes a light sensor, a processor module, a communication module, and a connector. The processor module is arranged to provide a light control signal based on at least one ambient light signal generated by the light sensor, and to obtain a distributed computing result based on a distributed computing task. The communication module is arranged to receive the distributed computing task and to transmit the distributed computing result according to a data communication standard. The connector is compliant with a roadway area lighting standard promoted by a standards body. For example, the connector may be compliant with ANSI C136.41-2013. The processor module may be arranged to provide the light control signal based on the distributed computing result, or a received message that is generated based on a plurality of distributed computing results.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to devices having both networkcapabilities and light control capabilities integrated therein. Moreparticularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to adistributed computing environment that includes a plurality of aeriallymounted devices having both network capabilities and light controlcapabilities integrated therein.

Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, a light control device may be attached to a lightfixture of a street light that is mounted on a light pole. The lightcontrol device monitors ambient lighting conditions and provides controlsignals that are used to turn the street light on and off based on theambient lighting conditions. For example, when ambient lighting is belowa first threshold, the light control device outputs a control signalthat causes the street light to turn on (i.e., emit visible light).Similarly, when ambient light is above a second threshold, the lightcontrol device outputs a control signal that causes the street light toturn off (i.e., not emit visible light). The light control device mayinclude a connector that complies with a standard, and the light fixturemay include a corresponding connector that complies with the samestandard.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a standards bodythat publishes and promotes standards for certain electrical equipment,mechanical equipment, and electromechanical equipment in use today. ANSIis a private, non-profit organization that oversees and administersdevelopment of voluntary consensus standards for products, services,processes, systems, protocols, and the like. It is also known that ANSIcoordinates at least some U.S. standards with at least someinternational standards, which permits products manufactured accordingto U.S. standards to be used in other non-U.S. countries in the world.

Various standards developed by organizations, government agencies,consumer groups, companies, and others are accredited by ANSI. Thesestandards are developed and promoted to provide consistentcharacteristics, definitions, terms, testing, implementation, andperformance in products that are compliant with a given standard.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is one suchorganization that develops, promotes, or otherwise partners with ANSI.According to publicly available information, the NEMA is the largesttrade association of electrical equipment manufacturers in the UnitedStates. NEMA is a consortium of several hundred member companies thatmanufacture products used in the generation, transmission, distribution,control, and end use of electricity. These products are used in utility,industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applicationsincluding lighting products installed over roadways, parking lots,constructions sites, pedestrian malls, manufacturing floors, and thelike.

NEMA publishes standards documents, application guides, white papers,and other technical papers. NEMA also publishes and promotes severalhundred technical standards for electrical enclosures, controllers,communication protocols, motors, wire, plugs, and receptacles amongother equipment. Certain ones of NEMA's American National Standardsdirected toward Roadway and Area Lighting Equipment are referred to asANSI C136 standards. At least one NEMA standard, referred to as ANSIC136.41, is directed to external locking type photo-control devices forstreet and area lighting.

In conventional distributed computing environments, such as “cloud”computing systems operated by Microsoft Corporation and Amazon.comCorporation multiple processors are linked together, and computing tasksare shared among the processors. For example, the processors may beincluded in processing devices that are geographically dispersed. Suchprocessing devices must have network capabilities so that the processorscan be linked together and tasks can be shared among the processors.Conventional light control devices do not have network capabilities.Accordingly, conventional light control devices are not suitable for useas processing devices in distributed computing environments.

All of the subject matter discussed in the Background section is notnecessarily prior art and should not be assumed to be prior art merelyas a result of its discussion in the Background section. Along theselines, any recognition of problems in the prior art discussed in theBackground section or associated with such subject matter should not betreated as prior art unless expressly stated to be prior art. Instead,the discussion of any subject matter in the Background section should betreated as part of the inventor's approach to the particular problem,which, in and of itself, may also be inventive.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to the present disclosure, processing devices having bothnetwork capabilities and light control capabilities integrated thereinare mountable on light fixtures of street lights. The processing devicesare arranged to cooperate and share tasks in order to perform commonpurpose processing in a distributed computing environment.

In a first embodiment, a networking device may be summarized asincluding: a light sensor; a processor module arranged to provide alight control signal based on at least one ambient light signalgenerated by the light sensor, and to obtain a distributed computingresult based on a distributed computing task; a communication modulearranged to receive the distributed computing task and to transmit thedistributed computing result according to a data communication standard;and a connector compliant with a roadway area lighting standard promotedby a standards body.

The processor module may be arranged to obtain the distributed computingresult based on the distributed computing task in response todetermining that a utilization of the processor module is below athreshold value. The communication module may be arranged to receive thedistributed computing task and to transmit the distributed computingresult using a powerline. The communication module may be arranged toreceive the distributed computing task and to transmit the distributedcomputing result using a cellular-based network controlled by a mobilenetwork operator (MNO). The communication module may be arranged toreceive the distributed computing task and to transmit the distributedcomputing result according to a wireless data communication standard.The communication module may be arranged to receive the distributedcomputing task and to transmit the distributed computing result usinginfrared-based communications.

The connector may be compliant with American National StandardsInstitute (ANSI) C136. The connector may be compliant with ANSIC136.41-2013. The connector may include: at least three pin structures,the at least three pin structures arranged for removableelectromechanical coupling to a streetlight fixture administered by agovernment entity. The streetlight fixture may be elevated between 20feet and 40 feet above a roadway. The processor module may be arrangedto provide the light control signal based on the distributed computingresult. The communication module may be arranged to receive a messagegenerated based on the distributed computing result, and the processormodule may be arranged to provide the light control signal based on themessage generated based on the distributed computing result.

In a second embodiment, a distributed computing system may be summarizedas including a plurality of networking devices. Each of the networkingdevices includes: a light sensor; a processor module arranged to providea light control signal based on at least one ambient light signalgenerated by the light sensor, and to obtain a distributed computingresult based on a distributed computing task; a communication modulearranged to receive the distributed computing task and to transmit thedistributed computing result according to a data communication standard;and a connector compliant with a roadway area lighting standard promotedby a standards body.

The communication module of at least some of the networking devices maybe arranged to form a mesh network, to receive the distributed computingtask, and to transmit the distributed computing result over the meshnetwork. The processor module of each of the networking devices may bearranged to obtain the distributed computing result based on thedistributed computing task in response to determining that a utilizationof the processor module is below a threshold value. The communicationmodule of at least one of the networking devices may be arranged toreceive the distributed computing task and to transmit the distributedcomputing result using a powerline, the communication module of at leastone of the networking devices may be arranged to receive the distributedcomputing task and to transmit the distributed computing result using acellular-based network controlled by a mobile network operator (MNO),the communication module of at least one of the networking devices maybe arranged to receive the distributed computing task and to transmitthe distributed computing result using a wireless communicationstandard, and the communication module of at least one of the networkingdevices may be arranged to receive the distributed computing task and totransmit the distributed computing result using infrared-basedcommunications.

The connector of each of the networking devices may be compliant withAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI) C136. The connector of eachof the networking devices may be compliant with ANSI C136.41-2013. Theconnector of each of the networking devices may include: at least threepin structures, the at least three pin structures arranged for removableelectromechanical coupling to a streetlight fixture administered by agovernment entity. The streetlight fixture may be elevated between 20feet and 40 feet above a roadway. The communication module of at leastone of the networking devices may be arranged to receive a messagegenerated based on the distributed computing result, and the processormodule of the at least one of the networking devices may be arranged toprovide the light control signal based on the message.

In a third embodiment, a method performed by a networking device havingat least one light sensor and at least one communication moduleelectronically coupled thereto may be summarized as including:controlling a light output of a light source based on at least oneambient light signal generated by the light sensor; receiving adistributed computing task using the at least one communication module;obtaining a distributed computing result based on the distributedcomputing task; and transmitting the distributed computing using the atleast one communication module.

The method may include coupling the networking device to a streetlightfixture via a connector that is compliant with a roadway area lightingstandard promoted by a standards body. Also, the method may includeobtaining a final result based on a plurality of distributed computingresults; generating a message based on the final result; transmittingthe message; and controlling the light output of the light source basedon the message.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with referenceto the following drawings, wherein like labels refer to like partsthroughout the various views unless otherwise specified. The sizes andrelative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawnto scale. For example, the shapes of various elements are selected,enlarged, and positioned to improve drawing legibility. The particularshapes of the elements as drawn have been selected for ease ofrecognition in the drawings. One or more embodiments are describedhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Thepresent invention may be understood more readily by reference to thisdetailed description of the invention. The terminology used herein isfor the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is notlimiting to the claims unless a court or accepted body of competentjurisdiction determines that such terminology is limiting. Unlessspecifically defined herein, the terminology used herein is to be givenits traditional meaning as known in the relevant art.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a smart sensor networking deviceembodiment;

FIG. 1B is a right side view of smart sensor networking deviceembodiment of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is the smart sensor networking device embodiment of FIG. 1Amounted on a light fixture, which itself is coupled to a light pole.

FIG. 2 is a smart sensor networking device block diagram;

FIG. 3 is a system level deployment having a plurality of smart sensornetworking devices coupled to streetlight fixtures;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing some operations of a system that deploys aplurality of smart sensor networking devices coupled to a plurality ofstreetlight fixtures;

FIG. 5 is a system level deployment having a plurality of smart sensornetworking devices; and

FIG. 6 is another system level deployment having a plurality of groupsof smart sensor networking devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention include a wireless smart sensornetworking device having a desired shape and electromechanicalconfiguration for mounting on a light pole (See FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, forexample). More particularly, embodiments are arranged with a certainNEMA-style connector integrated on one (e.g., bottom) side, whichenables the device to be electromechanically coupled to the top side ofa light fixture attached or otherwise integrated into the light pole.Some short exemplary cases are now summarized in a non-limitingdescriptive way merely to facilitate understanding of the presentdisclosure through demonstration of certain embodiments.

Once arranged on a light fixture, the smart sensor networking device isenabled to provide services for the streetlight and is enabled toprovide processing in a distributed computing environment. In addition,the smart sensor networking device may be enabled to provide servicesfor mobile devices in proximity to this or other streetlights. In atleast some cases, the smart sensor networking device is also arranged toprovide still other additional services to one or more third partyentities such as utilities, law enforcement, schools, and retail andwholesale businesses.

The smart sensor networking devices described herein will include one ormore light sensors. Light sensors detect ambient light in proximity tothe streetlight fixture. Using light sensor data, the smart sensornetworking devices may control one or more characteristics of lightproduced by a light source mounted or otherwise integrated in thefixture. The characteristics can include the volume of light output(i.e., lumens or luminous flux), the color or frequency of output light,on/off timing, situational lighting, and the like. In at least somecases, the characteristics of light output from one streetlight fixtureare cooperative with characteristics of light output from other (e.g.,adjacent) streetlight fixtures.

In addition to certain streetlight control features, the smart sensornetworking devices described herein also provide a network over whichdistributed computing tasks may be transmitted to specific smart sensornetworking devices that perform processing and obtain respectivedistributed computing results based on those tasks. The distributedcomputing results are routed over the network to a device that processesthe results, and possibly generates additional tasks based on theresults of the processing.

In addition, the smart sensor networking devices described herein mayprovide cellular-based wireless communication services to mobiledevices. For example, a user holding a smartphone can make or receive atelephone call that passes wireless cellular data through the smartsensor networking device. A mobile network operator (MNO) is an entitythat operates a cellular communications system. Mobile network operatorsmay be private entities, public entities such as would be owned andcontrolled by a government, public-private partnership entities or otherentities. A mobile network operator may be a for-profit entity, anon-profit entity, or an entity having some other financial model. Asthe term is used in the present disclosure, an MNO may also be referredto as a wireless carrier, a cell service provider, a wireless serviceprovider, cellular company, and many other like terms. An MNO providescellular-based wireless communication services. Using the smart sensornetworking devices described herein, a MNO can supplement itscellular-based network with coverage in dense urban areas, areas ingeographic regions that are otherwise “dark spots” in its network (e.g.,valleys, places in the shadow of natural or manmade structures), inareas that are only periodically high-traffic areas (e.g., stadiums,arenas, show venues), in areas that are temporary (e.g., constructionsites, disaster sites), and in other such areas.

In some cases, a single smart sensor networking device may ncludeelectronic circuits that provide small cell functionality to two or moreMNOs in a single device. For example, in some cases, a single smartsensor networking device may have antennas, transceivers, controllers,and the like that permit two mobile devices provisioned for wirelesscommunications on different cellular-based networks operated bydifferent MNOs to carry on concurrent communication sessions (e.g.,phone calls, internet sessions, etc.).

In some cases, MNOs or other entities provide non-cellular wirelessservices such as “WiFi” services. WiFi services are known to passcommunications according to a communications standard administered bythe Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). One suchstandard is referred to as IEEE 802.11. These non-cellular wirelesscommunication services may be available to the public free or for acost. These non-cellular wireless communication services may beavailable in restaurants, airports, airplanes, public buildings, and thelike. Even when these WiFi services are provided by an MNO, these WiFiservices are not considered “MNO services” or “cellular-based” servicesbecause they are delivered to end user devices using non-cellularfrequencies and protocols. What's more, even if some portion ofWiFi-delivered data is passed over a cellular-based network (e.g.,infrastructure downstream of a WiFi access point couples communicationsto or through a cellular-based network), these services are still notconsidered MNO services, cellular-based services, or carrier servicesbecause the interface to the end-user device is enabled via WiFiservices and not by cellular-based services.

In some cases, the smart sensor networking device provides WiFi accesspoint services to devices that are in proximity to the smart sensornetworking device. These WiFi services are distinguished fromcellular-based wireless communications because they do not necessarilyrequire MNO provisioning in the manner that a mobile communicationdevice requires provisioning. In these cases, for example, a smartsensor networking device may provide cellular-based service for aspecific MNO, and the same smart sensor networking device may alsoprovide WiFi services on behalf of a municipality that wants to providefree or low cost WiFi services to its residents.

The smart sensor networking devices described herein may in some casesbe in communication with other smart sensor networking devices or otherless sophisticated wireless communication devices. In at least one case,a geographic area has many streetlight poles. Some smart sensornetworking devices are mounted on certain ones of the streetlight poles,and other less sophisticated wireless communication devices are mountedon other streetlight poles. These other less sophisticated wirelesscommunication devices can each control characteristics of the lightsources integrated on their respective light pole. In this type ofsystem, however, due in part to the wireless capabilities of eachdevice, and due in part to the sophistication of the smart sensornetworking device, the lighting of the entire geographic area can bedesirably and holistically controlled locally from the smart sensornetworking device or remotely from a central site. And in still othersystems of this configuration enable the implementation and control of awide range of sensors, controllers, and other “smart” devices can beintegrated to provide MNOs, utilities, government agencies, and the likewith a range of services not previously available.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a smart sensor networking device 100embodiment. The smart sensor networking device 100 may be particularlyarranged for mounting on a light pole, and even more particularlyarranged for mounting on a light fixture (e.g., a luminaire). In thesecases, the light fixture in at least some embodiments is aeriallymounted between about 20 to 40 feet above the area to be illuminated(e.g., ground level, a roadway, a parking surface, and the like), andthe light fixture is mounted on a light pole, a building, or some otherstructure. In some cases, the light poles, light fixtures, streetlights,buildings, roadways, parking surfaces, or any combination thereof areadministered by a government entity.

The smart sensor networking device 100 of FIG. 1A may have asubstantially cylindrical form factor wherein a horizontal cross sectionhas a substantially circular shape. Other form factors and horizontalcross sectional shapes are of course considered. In at least some cases,the diameter of the smart sensor networking device 100 is between aboutsix (6) inches and twelve (12) inches. In some embodiments, such asshown in the smart sensor networking device 100 of FIG. 1A, walls of thedevice are substantially vertical or within about 30 degrees ofvertical. In other embodiment, walls of the smart sensor networkingdevice that provide height to the device are segmented such that someportions of the wall are vertical or near-vertical and other portions ofthe wall structures are closer to horizontal. Many shapes, styles, anddimensions of wall structures have of course been considered. In atleast some embodiments, the walls of the smart sensor networking device100 are formed to create a height of the device between about 2.5 inchesand six (6) inches.

The outer housing 102 of the smart sensor networking device 100 of FIG.1A may be formed of metal, plastic, or some other material. In somecases, the outer housing 102 is painted, bonded, or otherwise coatedwith a weather-resistant material (e.g., a varnish, an enamel, afluoropolymer, a powder-coating, or the like). In some cases, the outerhousing 102 is arranged in color, shape, material, or some othercharacteristic to be resistant to birds, insects, or other pests. Forexample, the outer housing 102 may be mirrored, low-friction, spiked, orenabled with vibration, heat, cooling, an audio transducer, or someother anti-pest feature. In at least some embodiments, the outer housing102 is constructed according to a standard published by theInternational Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) as Ingress Protectionstandard IP55. A housing constructed and deployed to IP55 is generallysufficient to resist or otherwise prevent dust and other solid materialsfrom entering the housing and also sufficient to resist or otherwiseprevent low pressure liquid (e.g., water) jetted from any direction fromentering the housing.

The smart sensor networking device 100 may include a light sensor module104. The light sensor module 104 of FIG. 1A may or may not include alens. The light sensor module, which may also be referred to as simply alight sensor, includes a light sensor surface that collects, absorbs, orotherwise detects photons, and an electronic circuit that generates arepresentation of light that is impacting the light sensor surface. Thelight sensor module 104 may be arranged to generate at least one lightsignal (e.g., an ambient light signal, a focused light signal, adata-infused light signal, or the like). Light signals generated by thelight sensor module 104 may be digital values between a lower thresholdand an upper threshold (e.g., between 0 bits and 1024 bits) thatrepresent the amount of luminous flux (e.g., photons) that strike thelight sensor module 104 at a particular point or within a particulartime period. A processor-based light control circuit (not shown in FIG.1A) may be arranged to provide a light control signal based on at leastone ambient light signal generated by the light sensor module 104, andin these cases, the light control signal may be used to directcharacteristics of light output from a light source integrated in thecorresponding light fixture.

In FIG. 1A, the smart sensor networking device 100 includes a pair oftwist lock connectors 106A, 106B that provide cable access to the insideof the smart sensor networking device 100. In at least some cases, thetwist lock connectors 106A, 106B are water tight, and in these or inother cases, the twist lock connectors 106A, 106B provide strain reliefto cables that pass through the connectors. The twist lock connectors106A, 106B in at least some cases expose a gland connector for 3-15 mmdiameter cable resistant to foreign material ingress according toIngress Protection standard IP67.

FIG. 1B is a right side view of the smart sensor networking device 100embodiment of FIG. 1A. The outer housing 102 and one of the twist lockconnectors 106B is identified in the figure. Also identified in FIG. 1Bis a multi-pin NEMA connector 108. In at least some embodiments themulti-pin NEMA connector 108 is compatible with an ANSI C136 standardpromulgated by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).The multi-pin NEMA connector 108 may be compatible with the standardreferred to as ANSI C136.41, ANSI C136.41-2013, or some other standard.Alternatively, the multi-pin NEMA connector 108 may be implemented withsome other connector useful for external locking type photo-controldevices for street and area lighting.

FIG. 1C is the smart sensor networking device 100 mounted on a lightfixture 110, which itself is coupled to a light pole 114. The lightfixture 110 includes a light source 112. The light source 112 may be anincandescent light source, a light emitting diode (LED) light source, ahigh pressure sodium lamp, or any other type of light source. In thestreet light of FIG. 1C, the smart sensor networking device 100 iscoupled to the light fixture 110 via the multi-pin NEMA connector 108.That is, the pins of the multi-ping NEMA connector 108 areelectromechanically coupled to a compatible NEMA socket integrated intothe light fixture 110. In some cases, the smart sensor networking device100 replaces or otherwise takes the place of a different light sensordevice, which does not have the features provided by the smart sensornetworking device 100. Cables 116A, 1166 are passed through the twistlock connectors 106A, 1066 respectively of the smart sensor networkingdevice 100. The cables 116A, 116B may be networking cables (e.g., Powerover Ethernet (PoE)) cables, cables electrically coupled to otherelectronic circuits (e.g., cameras, transducers, weather devices,internet of things (IoT) devices, or any other type of device).

FIG. 2 is a smart sensor networking device 100 block diagram. In theembodiment, a processor module 140 includes an applications processor aswell as other peripheral circuitry for the processor such as powercircuitry, clock circuitry, memory control circuitry, and the like. Theprocessor module 140 is communicatively coupled to a memory module 142.The memory module 142 includes memory of one or more types, which may bedesirably partitioned into smart sensor networking device owner areas,one or more MNO areas, one or more municipality areas, one or morethird-party areas, global areas, executable code areas, parameter areas,system areas, sensor areas, IoT areas, secure areas, unlicensedcommunication areas, licensed communication areas, and other areas asselected or otherwise implemented by one or more computingprofessionals.

The smart sensor networking device 100 includes one or more optionalinput/output modules 144 and one or more optional wired transceivermodules 146. The embodiment of FIG. 2 illustrates first cable 116Aelectromechanically coupled to an input/output module 144 and secondcable 116B electromechanically coupled to wired transceiver module 146,but other embodiments are not so limited. As discussed herein, themodular design of the smart sensor networking device 100 permits anydesirable arrangement of cables through the twist lock connectors 106A,106B coupled to pass power, communications, control signals, or otherinformation into, out from, or into and out from the smart sensornetworking device 100.

The smart sensor networking device 100 may include at least onecellular-based gateway module 148A, which is a networking modulearranged as a gateway to a cellular-based network. The cellular-basednetwork is controlled by a mobile network operator (MNO). Thecellular-based gateway module 148A enables functionality for a mobiledevice in proximity to the smart sensor networking device 100 to conducta wireless communication session using the cellular-based networkcontrolled by the MNO. The wireless communication session may be acellular phone call, a short message service (e.g., text) message, anelectronic mail, an internet session (e.g., delivery of multimediainformation through a browser or other client software application onthe mobile device), a tracking message, or any other type ofcommunication that passes data over the MNO-controlled cellular-basednetwork.

Optionally, the smart sensor networking device 100 includes a secondcellular-based gateway module 148B, and any number of othercellular-based gateway modules 148N. By inclusion of multiplecellular-based gateways, the smart sensor networking device 100 enablesa plurality of concurrent wireless communication sessions via the sameor different MNO-controlled cellular-based networks.

Wireless communication sessions that are enabled through one or morecellular-based gateways 148A-148N may pass packetized data through oneor more networking structures of the smart sensor networking device 100.In many cases, packetized data wirelessly received on the cellular-basednetwork from at least one mobile device is communicated on or otherwisethrough a public switched telephone network (PSTN). The packetized datamay be further communicated between the smart sensor networking device100 and the PSTN in one or more ways. In some embodiments, thepacketized data is passed through the same or another cellular-basedgateway module 148A-148N to a cellular macrocell, to a landline, or toanother smart sensor networking device 100. In some embodiments, thepacketized data is passed through a wired transceiver module 146 (e.g.,PoE, digital subscriber line (DSL), broadband cable, or the like) and acable 116A, 116B to another computing device. In some embodiments, thepacketized data is passed through a different cabled transceiver andcable 116A, 116B such as a fiber optic transceiver and cable medium. Instill other cases, the packetized data is optionally passed through awireless transceiver module 150, which may be a WiFi (e.g., IEEE 802.11)transceiver or a different type of wireless transceiver (e.g., licensedRF, unlicensed RF, satellite) that communicates according to a differentprotocol (e.g., a proprietary protocol, a satellite protocol, or someother protocol).

Operations of the one or more cellular-based gateways 148A-148N may bedirected by a cellular-based parameter control module 150. In somecases, the cellular-based parameter control module 150 includes featuresthat enable a smart sensor networking device 100 systems integrator orsome other party to provision the smart sensor networking device 100 ona cellular-based network of a selected MNO. In this way, the MNO canitself provision each smart sensor networking device 100 for operationon the cellular-based network it controls, or the MNO can authorizedanother entity to provision the smart sensor networking device 100. Thefeature set provided by the cellular-based parameter control module 150promote efficiency, cost-effectiveness, rapid-deployment, temporarydeployment, one or more revenue models, and many other benefits.

The smart sensor networking device 100 may include antennas 152A-152N.For example, if the smart sensor networking device 100 includes a firstcellular-based gateway module 148A, an antenna 152A may be coupled tothe first cellular-based gateway module 148A, for example, by a cable orwire. Additionally or alternatively, if the smart sensor networkingdevice 100 includes a second cellular-based gateway module 148B, anantenna 152B may be coupled to the second cellular-based gateway module148B, for example, by a cable or wire. Additionally or alternatively, ifthe smart sensor networking device 100 includes a first wirelesstransceiver module 156A, an antenna 152C may be coupled to the firstwireless transceiver module 156A, for example, by a cable or wire.Additionally or alternatively, if the smart sensor networking device 100includes a second wireless transceiver module 1566, an antenna 152D maybe coupled to the second wireless transceiver module 1566, for example,by a cable or wire. Additionally or alternatively, if the smart sensornetworking device 100 includes a GPS module 158, an antenna 152E may becoupled to the cellular-based gateway module 148A, for example, by acable or wire. Additionally or alternatively, if the smart sensornetworking device 100 includes an infrared transceiver module 164, anoptical antenna 152F (e.g., a photo-diode) may be coupled to infraredtransceiver module 164, for example, by a cable or wire.

Each antenna may be physically formed, arranged, positioned, andoriented to advantageously provide favorable communication of data. Insome cases, one or more antennas are arranged to communicate data on acellular-based network. In some cases, one or more antennas providesignal-sniffing capabilities. In some cases, one or more antennas arearranged to wirelessly communicate data on a non-cellular, licensed orunlicensed frequency or frequency spectrum as the case may be. In somecases the radial design of the casted small cell cover will be used toenhance antenna performance.

A light sensor interface module 154 is included in the smart sensornetworking device 100. The light sensor interface module 154 may includeor otherwise enable light sensor functionality for one or more lightsources such as a streetlight arranged in a light fixture that iscoupled to the smart sensor networking device 100. In some cases, thelight sensor interface module 154 communicates with a light sensormodule 104 (FIG. 1A). In other cases, a light sensor module 104 isintegrated with the light sensor interface module 154. The processor ofprocessor module 140 may direct the operations of a light source basedon data generated or otherwise provided by the light sensor interfacemodule 154. For example, when ambient light in proximity to the smartsensor networking device 100 reaches one or more lower threshold, thelight source may be directed to turn on or otherwise increase its lightoutput. Conversely, when the ambient light in proximity to the smartsensor networking device 100 reaches one or more upper thresholds, thelight source may be directed to turn on or otherwise decrease its lightoutput. In some cases, the processor intelligently directs the operationof an associated light source based on information received from any ofthe available transceivers. In this way, for example, when a first lightsource from a nearby light pole is undesirably reduced in intensity, asecond light source in close proximity may be directed to increase itsintensity. As another example, a municipality, law enforcement agency,third-party private entity, or some other entity may intelligentlycontrol light output from a plurality of light sources. The intelligentlight control of a plurality of light sources may be used for safety,advertising, celebration, crowd control, or any number of other reasons.In at least one embodiment, the smart sensor networking device 100wireless communicates its light sensor data to another smart device. Inthis embodiment or other embodiments, the smart sensor networking device100 wirelessly receives light sensor data from one or more other smartdevices.

The wireless transceiver module 156A may optionally provide wirelesscommunication capability to any one or more devices having correspondingwireless transceivers. In some cases, for example, using functionalityprovided by the wireless transceiver module 156A, the smart sensornetworking device 100 is arranged to operate as a WiFi access point. Inthis way, the smart sensor networking device 100 permits one or moremobile devices to access the Internet. Municipalities or other entitiesmay make internet services available over a determined geographic area(e.g., a neighborhood, a city, an arena, a construction site, a campus,or the like) to remote mobile devices that are in proximity to any oneof a plurality of smart sensor networking devices 100. For example, ifmany street light fixtures in a neighborhood or city are equipped with asmart sensor networking device 100, then WiFi service can be provided toa large number of users. What's more, based on seamless communicationbetween a plurality of smart sensor networking devices 100, the WiFiservice can be configured as a mesh that permits users to perceiveconstant internet connectivity even when the mobile device is in motion.

The wireless transceiver module 156B may optionally provide wirelesscommunication capability to any of one or more devices havingcorresponding wireless transceivers. In some cases, for example, usingfunctionality provided by the wireless transceiver module 156B, thesmart sensor networking device 100 is arranged to operate as a Bluetoothaccess point. In this way, the smart sensor networking device 100permits one or more mobile devices to communicate with the smart sensornetworking device 100, for example, to access the Internet. The wirelesstransceiver module 156B may provide capabilities that are similar to thecapabilities of the wireless transceiver module 156A described above. Inone or more embodiments, the wireless transceiver module 156A and thewireless transceiver module 156B are included in the same integratedcircuit.

A global positioning system (GPS) module 158 is arranged in the smartsensor networking device 100. The GPS module 158 is arranged todetermine a location of the smart sensor networking device 100, forexample, using signals received from GPS satellites. The GPS module 158permits the smart sensor networking device 100 to accurately report itsposition to another computing device. In some cases, the position may beused to positively identify the particular smart sensor networkingdevice 100. In some cases, the position may be used to expressly directservice personnel to the site where the smart sensor networking device100 is installed. The position information can be used diagnosticallywhen a light source is failing, when an IoT device or some other sensorreports any type of information, and for other reasons. The highlyaccurate time-base of the GPS module may also be used by the smartsensor networking device 100 for weather data, almanac data, signaltriangulation with other smart sensor networking devices 100, or forother purposes.

In some cases, an optional identity module 160 is arranged in the smartsensor networking device 100. The identity module 160 may includeelectronic, mechanical, or electromechanical switch circuitry, memory, arandom number, a random number generator, a system-wide uniqueidentifier, a world-wide unique identifier, or other such information.When combined with position information from the GPS module 158, thesmart sensor networking device 100 may be able to more accurately reportits identity and position to another computing device. The identityinformation can be used diagnostically and for other reasons. In atleast some cases, identity information provided by an identity module isused as a network identifier for the smart sensor networking device 100.The identity information may be arranged as a 32-bit number, a 64-bitnumber, another number having a structurally preferable bit-width, acombination of information that further conveys information about thecapabilities of the smart sensor networking device 100 (e.g., date ofdeployment, year of deployment, hardware version number, softwareversion number, geographic location, or other such information).

A security module 162 is also optionally included in some embodiments ofa smart sensor networking device 100. The security module 162 mayinclude one or more of an encryption engine, a decryption engine, arandom number generator, a secure memory, a separate processing device,and the like.

An infrared transceiver module 164 is also optionally included in someembodiments of a smart sensor networking device 100. The infraredtransceiver module 164 is arranged to transmit and receive infraredsignals. For example, the infrared transceiver module 164 conforms tothe Infrared Data Association (IRDA) standard.

One or more sensor 166 is also optionally included in some embodimentsof a smart sensor networking device 100. The sensor 166 outputs to theprocessor module 140 signals indicative of events detected by the sensor166. For example, the sensor 166 is a microphone that outputs signalsindicative of respective levels of sounds detected by the microphone. Asset forth below, the processor module 140 may process the signalsreceived from the microphone to determine the location of a gun that wasrecently fired. By way of another example, the sensor 166 is atemperature sensor that outputs signals indicative of respectivetemperatures detected by the temperature sensor. By way of still anotherexample, the sensor 166 is a wind speed sensor that outputs signalsindicative of the speeds of respective winds detected by the wind speedsensor. By way of yet another example, the sensor 166 is a seismicsensor that outputs signals indicative of respective levels of vibrationdetected by the seismic sensor. Of course the sensor 166 may be anyother type of sensor or detector that is capable of detecting events ofinterest to a user of the smart sensor networking device 100.

As discussed herein, many of the components shown in FIG. 2 areoptional. Accordingly, a smart sensor networking device 100 may beconfigured in a number of different ways depending on the anticipateduse and location of the smart sensor networking device 100. For example,a smart sensor networking device 100 may include a cellular-basedgateway module 148A or a wireless transceiver module 156A or a wiredtransceiver module 146 or an infrared transceiver module 164, or anycombination thereof, by which distributed computing tasks are receivedand corresponding results are transmitted.

FIG. 3 is a system level deployment 200 having a plurality of networkdevices coupled to streetlight fixtures. The streetlight fixtures arecoupled to or otherwise arranged as part of a system of streetlightpoles, each streetlight fixture includes a light source. Each lightsource, light fixture, and light fitting, individually or along withtheir related components, may in some cases be interchangeably referredto as a luminaire, a light source, a streetlight, a streetlamp, or someother such suitable term.

As shown in the system level deployment 200, a plurality of light polesare arranged in one or more determined geographic areas, and each lightpole has at least one light source positioned in a fixture. The fixtureis at least twenty feet above ground level and in at least some cases,the fixtures are between about 20 feet and 40 feet above ground level.In other cases, the streetlight fixtures may of course be lower than 20feet above the ground or higher than 40 feet above the ground. In othersystem level deployments according to the present disclosure, there maybe 1,000 or more light poles are arranged in one or more determinedgeographic areas. In these or in still other cases, the streetlightfixtures 102 may of course be lower than 20 feet above the ground orhigher than 40 feet above the ground. Although described as being abovethe ground, streetlight fixtures shown and contemplated in the presentdisclosure may also be subterranean, but positioned above the floor,such as in a tunnel.

The system of streetlight poles, streetlight fixtures, streetlightsources, or the like in the system level deployment may be controlled bya municipality or other government agency. In other cases, the systemstreetlight poles, streetlight fixtures, streetlight sources, or thelike in the system level deployment is controlled by a private entity(e.g., private property owner, third-party service contractor, or thelike). In still other cases, a plurality of entities share control ofthe system of streetlight poles, streetlight fixtures, streetlightsources, or the like. The shared control may be hierarchical orcooperative in some other fashion. For example, when the system iscontrolled by a municipality or a department of transportation, anemergency services agency (e.g., law enforcement, medical services, fireservices) may be able to request or otherwise take control of thesystem. In still other cases, one or more sub-parts of the system ofstreetlight poles, streetlight fixtures, streetlight sources, or thelike can be granted some control such as in a neighborhood, around ahospital or fire department, in a construction area, or in some othermanner.

In the system level deployment 200 of FIG. 3, any number of streetlightfixtures may be arranged with a connector that is compliant with aroadway area lighting standard promoted by a standards body. Theconnector permits the controlling or servicing authority of the systemto competitively and efficiently purchase and install light sensors oneach streetlight fixture. In addition, or in the alternative, thestandardized connector in each streetlight fixture permits thecontrolling or servicing authority to replace conventional light sensorswith other devices such as a smart sensor networking device 100, a smartsensor device, or some other device.

In the system level deployment 200, a plurality of smart sensornetworking devices 100A-100I is provided, each of which iselectromechanically coupled to a selected light pole wherein theelectromechanical coupling is performed via the connector that iscompliant with the roadway area lighting standard promoted by astandards body. Each of the smart sensor networking devices 100A-100Cincludes, among other things, a cellular-based gateway module 148A. Eachof the smart sensor networking devices 100D-100F includes, among otherthings, a wireless transceiver module 156A. The smart sensor networkingdevice 100G includes, among other things, a wired transceiver module 146and a wireless transceiver module 156A. The smart sensor networkingdevice 100H includes, among other things, a wired transceiver module 146and an infrared transceiver module 164. The smart sensor networkingdevice 100I includes, among other things, an infrared transceiver module164. The wireless transceiver module 156A in each of the smart sensornetworking devices 100D-100G is arranged to perform WiFi communicationsand interconnect to create a wireless local area network (WLAN) meshnetwork, for example, based on the IEEE 802.11s standard, ZigBee,DigiMesh, or Thread.

The processor-based light control circuit of each smart device isarranged to provide a light control signal to the respective lightsource based on at least one ambient light signal generated by itsassociated the light sensor. In addition, because each smart sensornetworking devices 100A-100I is equipped with communicationcapabilities, each light source in each streetlight can be controlledremotely as an independent light source or in combination with otherlight sources. In these cases, each of the plurality of light poles andfixtures with the mart sensor networking devices 100A-100I iscommunicatively coupled. The communicative relationship from each of theplurality of light poles and fixtures with one of the sensor networkingdevices 100A-100I may be a direct communication or an indirectcommunication. That is, in some cases, one of the sensor networkingdevices 100A-100I may communicate directly with another one the sensornetworking devices 100A-100I or may communicate indirectly via yetanother one of the sensor networking devices 100A-100I.

In the system level deployment 200 of FIG. 3, various ones of the lightpoles may be 50 feet apart, 100 feet apart, 250 feet apart, or someother distance. In some cases, the type and performance characteristicsof each of the smart sensor networking devices 100A-100I are selectedbased on their respective distance to other such devices such thatwireless communications are acceptable.

Each light pole and fixture with one of the smart sensor networkingdevices 100A-100C is coupled to a street cabinet 202 or other likestructure that provides utility power (e.g., “the power grid”) in awired way. The utility power may provide 120 VAC, 240 VAC, 260 VAC, orsome other power source voltage. In addition, optionally one or more ofthe light poles and fixtures with the smart sensor networking devices100D-100I, is also coupled to the same street cabinet 202 or anotherstructure via a wired backhaul connection. It is understood that thesewired connections are in some cases separate wired connections (e.g.,copper wire, fiber optic cable, industrial Ethernet cable, or the like)and in some cases combined wired connections (e.g., power over Ethernet(PoE), powerline communications, or the like). For simplification of thesystem level deployment 200 of FIG. 3, a wired backhaul and power line204 is illustrated as a single line. The street cabinet 202 is coupledto the power grid, which is administered by a licensed power utilityagency, and the street cabinet 202 is coupled to the public switchedtelephone network (PSTN).

Each light pole and fixture with one of the smart sensor networkingdevices 100A-100I in direct or indirect wireless communication with alight pole and fixture with another one of the smart sensor networkingdevices 100A-100I. In addition, each light pole and fixture with one ofthe smart sensor networking devices 100A-100C may also be in direct orindirect wireless communication 206 with an optional remote computingdevice 208. The remote computing device 208 may be controlled by an MNO,a municipality, another government agency, a third party, or some otherentity. By this optional arrangement the remote computing device can bearranged to wirelessly communicated light control signals and any otherinformation (e.g., packetized data) between itself and each respectivewireless smart sensor networking device coupled to any of the pluralityof light poles.

A user 210 holding a mobile device 212 is represented in the systemlevel deployment 200 of FIG. 3. A vehicle having an in-vehicle mobiledevice 214 is also represented. The vehicle may be an emergency servicevehicle, a passenger vehicle, a commercial vehicle, a publictransportation vehicle, a drone, or some other type of vehicle. The user210 may use their mobile device 212 to establish a wirelesscommunication session over a cellular-based network controlled by anMNO, wherein packetized wireless data is passed through the light poleand fixture with one of the smart sensor networking devices 100A-100C.Concurrently, the in-vehicle mobile device 214 may also establish awireless communication session over the same or a differentcellular-based network controlled by the same or a different MNO,wherein packetized wireless data of the second session is also passedthrough the light pole and fixture with one of the smart sensornetworking devices 100A-100C.

Other devices may also communicate through light pole-based devices ofthe system level deployment 200. These devices may be internet of things(IoT) devices or some other types of devices. In FIG. 3, two publicinformation signs 216A, 216B, and a private entity sign 216C are shown,but many other types of devices are contemplated. Each one of thesedevices may form an unlicensed wireless communication session (e.g.,WiFi) or a cellular-based wireless communication session with one ormore wireless networks made available by the devices shown in the systemlevel deployment 200 of FIG. 3.

The sun and moon 218 are shown in FIG. 3. Light or the absence of lightbased on time of day, weather, geography, or other causes provideinformation (e.g., ambient light) to the light sensors of the light polemounted devices described in the present disclosure. Based on thisinformation, the associated light sources may be suitably controlled.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart 300 showing some operations of a system thatdeploys a plurality of smart sensor networking devices 100 coupled to aplurality of streetlight fixtures. Processing begins at 302.

At 304, a plurality of distributed computing tasks is obtained. Forexample, the remote computing device 208 shown in FIG. 3 obtains thedistributed computing tasks from a governmental, educational, orcommercial enterprise that has paid a fee for distributed computingservices to the owner or operator of the smart sensor networking devices100A-100C. The distributed computing tasks may relate to computationsthat are to be performed during cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin) mining,block chain or other distributed ledger transaction validation, searchfor extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) signal analysis, weatherforecasting, or other big-data analysis, for example.

Processing continues to 306 where each of the distributed computingtasks obtained at 304 is assigned to one of a plurality of smart sensornetworking devices. For example, the remote computing device 208 assignsthe distributed computing tasks to each of the smart sensor networkingdevices 100A-100I shown in FIG. 3. Each distributed computing task mayinclude a formula or algorithm (or an identifier that uniquelyidentifies a formula or algorithm) and parameter values that are to beused in the formula or algorithm during one or more computations. Eachdistributed computing task may be included in a packet or other suitabledata structure along with an identifier of the particular one of thesmart sensor networking devices 100A-100I to which the distributedcomputing task has been assigned. The identifiers may be media accesscontrol (MAC) addresses, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, for example,or other identifiers that uniquely identify each of the smart sensornetworking devices 100A-100I.

Processing continues to 308 where the distributed computing tasksassigned at 306 are transmitted to the smart sensor networking devices100A-100I. For example, the remote computing device 208 transmits thedistributed computing tasks to the smart sensor networking devices100A-100I. The smart sensor networking devices 100A-100I may performrouting of data packets containing the distributed computing tasks, forexample, over a mesh network.

For example, the remote computing device 208 may transmit a distributedcomputing task that is addressed to the smart sensor networking device100I over a cellular network to the smart sensor networking device 100C.Based on the address of the smart sensor networking device 100I includedin the packet, the smart sensor networking device 100C may route thepacket to the smart sensor networking device 100D over a WiFi network.Based on the address of the smart sensor networking device 100I includedin the packet, the smart sensor networking device 100D may route thepacket to the smart sensor networking device 100G over a WiFi network.Based on the address of the smart sensor networking device 100I includedin the packet, the smart sensor networking device 100G may route thepacket to the smart sensor networking device 100H over a powerline.Based on the address of the smart sensor networking device 100I includedin the packet, the smart sensor networking device 100H may route thepacket to the smart sensor networking device 100I using infrared-basedcommunications.

Processing continues to 310 where one of the distributed computing taskstransmitted at 308 is received at each of the assigned smart sensornetworking devices. For example, one of the distributed computing taskstransmitted at 308 is received at each of the smart sensor networkingdevices 100A-100I.

Processing continues to 312 where a distributed computing result isobtained based on a distributed computing task, at each of the assignedsmart sensor networking devices. For example, the memory 142 of each ofthe smart sensor networking devices 100A-100I includesprocessor-readable instructions that, when executed by the processormodule 140, causes the smart sensor networking device to perform aseries of computations using data included in the distributed computingtask assigned thereto. The processor-readable instructions may beconfigured such that each smart sensor networking devices obtains adistributed computing result only if the processor module 140 is notbusy performing other tasks that have a higher priority, such as tasksassociated with operation of a small cell or a WiFi access point. Forexample, the processor module 140 obtains a distributed computing resultbased on a distributed computing task in response to determining that autilization of the processor module 140 is below a threshold utilizationvalue (e.g., 0, 5%, 10%, 20%, or some other threshold value).

Processing continues to 314 where a distributed computing result istransmitted from each of the assigned smart sensor networking devicesthat obtained a distributed computing result at 312. For example, eachof the smart sensor networking devices 100A-100I transmits a distributedcomputing result to the remote computing device 208. The smart sensornetworking devices 100A-100I may perform routing of data packetscontaining the distributed computing results, for example, over a meshnetwork.

Processing continues to 316 where a distributed computing result isreceived from each of the assigned smart sensor networking devices thattransmitted a distributed computing result at 314. For example, theremote computing device 208 receives a distributed computing result fromeach of the smart sensor networking devices 100A-100I.

Processing continues to 318 where the distributed computing resultreceived from each of the assigned smart sensor networking devices isfurther processed. For example, the remote computing device 208 sums thedistributed computing results received from each of the smart sensornetworking devices 100A-100I to obtain a final result.

Processing at 318 continues and does not end. That is, the system asdeployed may continue to operate in perpetuity without ending. Variousones of the smart sensor networking devices may be introduced to thesystem, removed from the system, repositioned within the system, orreconfigured in any number of ways. Parameters of each device may bechanged to alter the operating characteristics of any of the devices.Control of the parameters may be performed locally or remotely, manuallyor automatically.

FIG. 5 is a system level deployment 500 having a plurality of smartsensor networking devices 100, according to one or more embodiments ofthe present disclosure. The system level deployment 500 includes onehundred and twelve (112) smart sensor networking devices 100, each ofwhich is represented by a black dot in FIG. 5. For illustrativesimplicity, only smart sensor networking devices 100-1, 100-2, 100-3,100-4, 100-5, and 100-6 are labeled in FIG. 5. Each of the smart sensornetworking devices 100 is mounted to a light fixture that is located ona light pole, for example, in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 1C.Multiple groups of the smart sensor networking devices 100 cooperate toperform various tasks, as described more fully below.

In a first example, each of the smart sensor networking devices 100includes a sensor 166 that is a microphone. Additionally, the processormodule 140 of each of the smart sensor networking devices 100 isprogrammed to transmit a message to one or more of the smart sensornetworking devices 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4, 100-5, and 100-6 eachtime that a sound having characteristic of a gunshot (e.g., having asound level greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value) isdetected. The message includes an identifier of the smart sensornetworking device 100 that detected the sound, a time which the soundwas detected, and possibly a location of the smart sensor networkingdevice 100. The smart sensor networking devices 100-1, 100-2, 100-3,100-4, 100-5, and 100-6 process different ones of the messages usingtime difference of arrival techniques to determine the location at whicha gun was fired. The smart sensor networking device 100-1, for example,may obtain a final result by aggregating partial results obtained by thesmart sensor networking devices 100-2, 100-3, 100-4, 100-5, and 100-6.

The smart sensor networking device 100-1 may take various actions basedon the final result. For example, if the location at which the gun wasfired is determined to be on First Avenue between Second Street andThird Street, the smart sensor networking device 100-1 may send one ormore messages to the smart sensor networking devices 100 located onFirst Avenue between Second Street and Third Street. The one or moremessages may cause the processor module 140 of the smart sensornetworking devices 100 located on First Avenue between Second Street andThird Street to generate control signals that cause the lights in thelight fixtures coupled thereto to change brightness or color. Forexample, the one or more messages cause all of the smart sensornetworking devices 100 located on First Avenue between Second Street andThird Street to output control signals to the lights in the lightfixtures coupled thereto to become brighter. Also, the one or moremessages may cause the smart sensor networking devices 100 that isclosest to the detected location at which the gun was fired to output acontrol signal to the light in the light fixture coupled thereto thatcauses the light to blink or change color, to indicate the location atwhich the gun was fired to people in the vicinity, for example, lawenforcement personnel or civilians.

In a second example, each of the smart sensor networking devices 100includes a wireless transceiver module 156B that is arranged to operateas a Bluetooth access point that transmits beacon signals. Additionally,the computing module 140 of each of the smart sensor networking devices100 is programmed to transmit a message to one or more of the smartsensor networking devices 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4, 100-5, and 100-6each time that a response signal to the beacon signal is received by thewireless transceiver module 156B. The message includes an identifier ofthe smart sensor networking device 100 that detected the responsesignal, a time which the response signal was detected, an address of adevice that transmitted the response signal, and possibly a location ofthe smart sensor networking device 100. The smart sensor networkingdevices 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, 100-4, 100-5, and 100-6 process differentones of the messages using time difference of arrival techniques todetermine the location of a device that transmitted the response signal.The smart sensor networking device 100-1, for example, may obtain afinal result by aggregating partial results obtained by the smart sensornetworking devices 100-2, 100-3, 100-4, 100-5, and 100-6.

The smart sensor networking device 100-1 may take various actions basedon the final result. For example, the smart sensor networking device100-1 may store one or more addresses of devices used by emergencypersonnel (e.g., police, fire, or paramedics) that are currentlyresponding to an emergency. If smart sensor networking device 100-1determines that one of those devices is responding to the beacons thatare being transmitted, the smart sensor networking device 100-1 may sendone or more messages to a smart sensor networking device 100 locatedclosest to the determined location a device used by emergency personnel.The one or more messages may cause the smart sensor networking device100 located closest to the device used by emergency personnel to outputa control signal that causes the light in the light fixture coupledthereto to become brighter so that the emergency personnel will be ableto more easily see things in the vicinity. Also, the one or moremessages may cause the smart sensor networking device 100 locatedclosest to the device used by emergency personnel to output a controlsignal that causes the light in a the fixture coupled thereto to changecolor and/or blink, for example, so that a police officer can moreeasily locate a fire fighter responding to a fire.

Additionally, the smart sensor networking device 100-1 may track thelocations of the devices used by emergency personnel. For example, ifthe smart sensor networking device 100-1 determines that a device usedby emergency personnel is moving east on Fourth Avenue, the smart sensornetworking device 100-1 may send one or more messages to the smartsensor networking devices 100 located on Fourth Avenue at a locationwhere the device is or will soon be to become brighter, change color,and/or blink so that the emergency personnel can see better and/or sothat others in the vicinity are alerted to the presence of the emergencypersonnel in the area.

FIG. 6 is another system level deployment 600 having a plurality ofgroups of smart sensor networking devices 100, according to one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure. The system level deployment 600includes twelve (12) groups G1-G12 of the smart sensor networkingdevices 100. For example, each of the groups G1-G12 may include aplurality of smart sensor networking devices 100 similar to the onesincluded in the system level deployment 500 shown in FIG. 5. The systemlevel deployment 600 shown in FIG. 6 is just an example, other systemlevel deployments may include hundreds or thousands of groups, eachincluding hundreds or thousands of smart sensor networking devices 100.In addition, although the groups G1-G12 are shown geographicallydistributed over the continental United States, the groups G1-G12 couldbe geographically distributed over a different country or could begeographically distributed over multiple countries.

In one example, a remote computing device (e.g., remote computing device208) is in direct or indirect communication with a first smart sensornetworking device 100 in the first group G1. The first smart sensornetworking device100 in the first group G1 generates or otherwiseobtains a plurality of distributed computing tasks for processing alarge volume of weather data. The first smart sensor networking device100 in the first group G1 assigns the distributed computing tasks toother of the smart sensor networking devices 100 in the first group G1and to smart sensor networking devices 100 in the other groups G2-G12.In addition, the first smart sensor networking device 100 in the firstgroup G1 obtains corresponding distributed computing tasks from theother of the smart sensor networking devices 100 in the first group G1and from the smart sensor networking devices 100 in the other groupsG2-G12

In one or more embodiments, a hierarchy of the smart sensor networkingdevice 100 is used to assign distributed computing tasks and toaggregate corresponding distributed computing results. For example, oneor more of the smart sensor networking devices 100 in each of the groupsG1-G12 is programmed to assign distributed computing tasks and toaggregate corresponding distributed computing tasks. The one or more ofthe smart sensor networking devices 100 in each of the groups G1-G12 maybe predetermined. Alternatively, the smart sensor networking devices 100in each of the groups G1-G12 may perform a process to dynamically selectthe one or more of the smart sensor networking devices 100 that assigndistributed computing tasks and aggregate distributed computing resultsin that group, for example, based on location, current utilizationlevel, and/or hardware capabilities (e.g., processor speed, size ofmemory) of the smart sensor networking devices 100. In either case, thefirst smart sensor networking device 100 in the first group G1 mayassign a plurality of tasks to a first smart sensor networking device100 in each of the groups G2-G12. The first smart sensor networkingdevice 100 in each of the groups G2-G12 assigns the tasks to other ofthe smart sensor networking devices 100 in that group. In addition, thefirst smart sensor networking device 100 in each of the groups G2-G12aggregates corresponding distributed computing results from the other ofthe smart sensor networking devices 100 in that group, and forwards theaggregated distributed computing results to the first smart sensornetworking device 100 in the group G1. The first smart sensor networkingdevice 100 in the group G1 furthers aggregates the distributed computingresults from group G1 and the distributed computing from each groupsG2-G12. The first smart sensor networking device 100 may performadditional processing on the aggregated distributed computing results toobtain a final result. Alternatively, the first smart sensor networkingdevice 100 may transmit all of the distributed computing results to theremote computing device, which performs additional processing on theaggregated distributed computing results to obtain the final result. Forexample, the final result may be a weather forecast that is based on theprocessed weather data.

Having now set forth certain embodiments, further clarification ofcertain terms used herein may be helpful to providing a more completeunderstanding of that which is considered inventive in the presentdisclosure. Mobile network operators (MNOs) provide wirelesscellular-based services in accordance with one or more cellular-basedtechnologies. As used in the present disclosure, “cellular-based” shouldbe interpreted in a broad sense to include any of the variety oftechnologies that implement wireless or mobile communications. Exemplarycellular-based systems include, but are not limited to, time divisionmultiple access (“TDMA”) systems, code division multiple access (“CDMA”)systems, and Global System for Mobile communications (“GSM”) systems.Some others of these technologies are conventionally referred to asUMTS, WCDMA, 4G, 5G, and LTE. Still other cellular-based technologiesare also known now or will be known in the future. The underlyingcellular-based technologies are mentioned here for a clearerunderstanding of the present disclosure, but the inventive aspectsdiscussed herein are not limited to any particular cellular-basedtechnology.

In some cases, cellular-based voice traffic is treated as digital data.In such cases, the term “VoIP” may be used to mean any type of voiceservice that is provided over a data network, such as an InternetProtocol (IP) based network. The term VoIP is interpreted broadly toinclude any system wherein a voice signal from a mobile computing deviceis represented as a digital signal that travels over a data network.VoIP then may also include any system wherein a digital signal from adata network is delivered to a mobile computing device where it is laterdelivered as an audio signal.

Connector devices of the types described herein are also commonlyreferred to as NEMA devices, NEMA compatible devices, NEMA compliantdevices, or the like. And these devices include receptacles, connectors,sockets, holders, components, etc. Hence, as used in the presentdisclosure and elsewhere, those of skill in the art will recognize thatcoupling the term “NEMA” or the term “ANSI” with any such deviceindicates a device or structure compliant with a standard promoted by astandards body such as NEMA, ANSI, IEEE, or the like.

A mobile device, or mobile computing device, as the terms are usedinterchangeably herein, is an electronic device provisioned by at leastone mobile network operator (MNO) to communicate data through the MNOscellular-based network. The data may be voice data, short messageservice (SMS) data, electronic mail, world-wide web or other informationconventionally referred to as “internet traffic,” or any other type ofelectromagnetically communicable information. The data may be digitaldata or analog data. The data may be packetized or non-packetized. Thedata may be formed or passed at a particular priority level, or the datamay have no assigned priority level at all. A non-comprehensive,non-limiting list of mobile devices is provided to aid in understandingthe bounds of the term, “mobile device,” as used herein. Mobile devices(i.e., mobile computing devices) include cell phones, smart phones, flipphone, tablets, phablets, handheld computers, laptop computers,body-worn computers, and the like. Certain other electronic equipment inany form factor may also be referred to as a mobile device when thisequipment is provisioned for cellular-based communication on an MNOscellular-based network. Examples of this other electronic equipmentinclude in-vehicle devices, medical devices, industrial equipment,retail sales equipment, wholesale sales equipment, utility monitoringequipment, and other such equipment used by private, public, government,and other entities.

Mobile devices further have a collection of input/output ports forpassing data over short distances to and from the mobile device. Forexample, serial ports, USB ports, WiFi ports, Bluetooth ports, IEEE 1394FireWire, and the like can communicatively couple the mobile device toother computing apparatuses.

Mobile devices have a battery or other power source, and they may or maynot have a display. In many mobile devices, a signal strength indicatoris prominently positioned on the display to provide networkcommunication connectivity information to the mobile device user.

A cellular transceiver is used to couple the mobile device to othercommunication devices through the cellular-based communication network.In some cases, software and data in a file system are communicatedbetween the mobile device and a computing server via the cellulartransceiver. That is, bidirectional communication between a mobiledevice and a computing server is facilitated by the cellulartransceiver. For example, a computing server may download a new orupdated version of software to the mobile device over the cellular-basedcommunication network. As another example, the mobile device maycommunicate any other data to the computing server over thecellular-based communication network.

Each mobile device client has electronic memory accessible by at leastone processing unit within the device. The memory is programmed withsoftware that directs the one or more processing units. Some of thesoftware modules in the memory control the operation of the mobiledevice with respect to generation, collection, and distribution or otheruse of data. In some cases, software directs the collection ofindividual datums, and in other cases, software directs the collectionof sets of data.

Software may include a fully executable software program, a simpleconfiguration data file, a link to additional directions, or anycombination of known software types. When the computing server updatessoftware, the update may be small or large. For example, in some cases,a computing server downloads a small configuration data file to as partof software, and in other cases, computing server completely replacesall of the present software on the mobile device with a fresh version.In some cases, software, data, or software and data is encrypted,encoded, and/or otherwise compressed for reasons that include security,privacy, data transfer speed, data cost, or the like.

Processing devices, or “processors,” as described herein, includecentral processing units (CPU's), microprocessors, microcontrollers(MCU), digital signal processors (DSP), application specific integratedcircuits (ASIC), state machines, and the like. Accordingly, a processoras described herein includes any device, system, or part thereof thatcontrols at least one operation, and such a device may be implemented inhardware, firmware, or software, or some combination of at least two ofthe same. The functionality associated with any particular processor maybe centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. A processormay interchangeably refer to any type of electronic control circuitryconfigured to execute programmed software instructions. The programmedinstructions may be high-level software instructions, compiled softwareinstructions, assembly-language software instructions, object code,binary code, micro-code, or the like. The programmed instructions mayreside in internal or external memory or may be hard-coded as a statemachine or set of control signals. According to methods and devicesreferenced herein, one or more embodiments describe software executableby the processor, which when executed, carries out one or more of themethod acts.

As known by one skilled in the art, a computing device, including amobile computing device, has one or more memories, and each memory maycomprise any combination of volatile and non-volatile computer-readablemedia for reading and writing. Volatile computer-readable mediaincludes, for example, random access memory (RAM). Non-volatilecomputer-readable media includes, for example, any one or more of readonly memory (ROM), magnetic media such as a hard-disk, an optical disk,a flash memory device, a CD-ROM, and the like. In some cases, aparticular memory is separated virtually or physically into separateareas, such as a first memory, a second memory, a third memory, etc. Inthese cases, it is understood that the different divisions of memory maybe in different devices or embodied in a single memory. Some or all ofthe stored contents of a memory may include software instructionsexecutable by a processing device to carry out one or more particularacts. In the present disclosure, memory may be used in one configurationor another. The memory may be configured to store data. In thealternative or in addition, the memory may be a non-transitory computerreadable medium (CRM) wherein the CRM is configured to storeinstructions executable by a processor. The instructions may be storedindividually or as groups of instructions in files. The files mayinclude functions, services, libraries, and the like. The files mayinclude one or more computer programs or may be part of a largercomputer program. Alternatively or in addition, each file may includedata or other computational support material useful to carry out thecomputing functions of the systems, methods, and apparatus described inthe present disclosure.

As used in the present disclosure, the term “module” refers to anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, aprocessor and a memory operative to execute one or more software orfirmware programs, combinational logic circuitry, or other suitablecomponents (hardware, software, or hardware and software) that providethe functionality described with respect to the module.

The terms, “real-time” or “real time,” as used herein and in the claimsthat follow, are not intended to imply instantaneous processing,transmission, reception, or otherwise as the case may be. Instead, theterms, “real-time” and “real time” imply that the activity occurs overan acceptably short period of time (e.g., over a period of microsecondsor milliseconds), and that the activity may be performed on an ongoingbasis (e.g., recording and reporting the collection of utility gradepower metering data, recording and reporting IoT data, crowd controldata, anomalous action data, and the like). An example of an activitythat is not real-time is one that occurs over an extended period of time(e.g., hours or days) or that occurs based on intervention or directionby a person or other activity.

In the absence of any specific clarification related to its express usein a particular context, where the terms “substantial” or “about” in anygrammatical form are used as modifiers in the present disclosure and anyappended claims (e.g., to modify a structure, a dimension, ameasurement, or some other characteristic), it is understood that thecharacteristic may vary by up to 30 percent. For example, a small cellnetworking device may be described as being mounted “substantiallyhorizontal,” In these cases, a device that is mounted exactly horizontalis mounted along an “X” axis and a “Y” axis that is normal (i.e., 90degrees or at right angle) to a plane or line formed by a “Z” axis.Different from the exact precision of the term, “horizontal,” and theuse of “substantially” or “about” to modify the characteristic permits avariance of the particular characteristic by up to 30 percent. Asanother example, a small cell networking device having a particularlinear dimension of between about six (6) inches and twelve (12) inchesincludes such devices in which the linear dimension varies by up to 30percent. Accordingly, the particular linear dimension of the small cellnetworking device may be between 2.4 inches and 15.6 inches.

The terms “include” and “comprise” as well as derivatives thereof, inall of their syntactic contexts, are to be construed without limitationin an open, inclusive sense, (e.g., “including, but not limited to”).The term “or,” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases “associatedwith” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, can beunderstood as meaning to include, be included within, interconnect with,contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, becommunicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximateto, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification andclaims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, suchas, “comprises” and “comprising,” are to be construed in an open,inclusive sense, e.g., “including, but not limited to.”

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” or “one or more embodiments” and variations thereof meansthat a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described inconnection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment.Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in anembodiment” in various places throughout this specification are notnecessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, theparticular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined inany suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the contentand context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that theconjunctive terms, “and” and “or” are generally employed in the broadestsense to include “and/or” unless the content and context clearlydictates inclusivity or exclusivity as the case may be. In addition, thecomposition of “and” and “or” when recited herein as “and/or” isintended to encompass an embodiment that includes all of the associateditems or ideas and one or more other alternative embodiments thatinclude fewer than all of the associated items or ideas.

In the present disclosure, conjunctive lists make use of a comma, whichmay be known as an Oxford comma, a Harvard comma, a serial comma, oranother like term. Such lists are intended to connect words, clauses orsentences such that the thing following the comma is also included inthe list.

As described herein, for simplicity, a user is in some case described inthe context of the male gender. For example, the terms “his,” “him,” andthe like may be used. It is understood that a user can be of any gender,and the terms “he,” “his,” and the like as used herein are to beinterpreted broadly inclusive of all known gender definitions.

As the context may require in this disclosure, except as the context maydictate otherwise, the singular shall mean the plural and vice versa;all pronouns shall mean and include the person, entity, firm orcorporation to which they relate; and the masculine shall mean thefeminine and vice versa.

When so arranged as described herein, each computing device may betransformed from a generic and unspecific computing device to acombination device comprising hardware and software configured for aspecific and particular purpose. When so arranged as described herein,to the extent that any of the inventive concepts described herein arefound by a body of competent adjudication to be subsumed in an abstractidea, the ordered combination of elements and limitations are expresslypresented to provide a requisite inventive concept by transforming theabstract idea into a tangible and concrete practical application of thatabstract idea.

The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are forconvenience only and do not limit or interpret the scope or meaning ofthe embodiments.

The various embodiments described above can be combined to providefurther embodiments. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, ifnecessary to employ concepts of the various patents, application andpublications to provide yet further embodiments.

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/614,918, filed Jan. 8, 2018 and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/730,488, filed Sep. 12, 2018, which applications arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of theabove-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, theterms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specificembodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should beconstrued to include all possible embodiments along with the full scopeof equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, theclaims are not limited by the disclosure.

1. A networking device, comprising: a light sensor; a processor modulearranged to provide a light control signal based on at least one ambientlight signal generated by the light sensor, and to obtain a distributedcomputing result based on a distributed computing task; a communicationmodule arranged to receive the distributed computing task and totransmit the distributed computing result according to a datacommunication standard; and a connector compliant with a roadway arealighting standard promoted by a standards body.
 2. The networking deviceof claim 1, wherein the processor module is arranged to obtain thedistributed computing result based on the distributed computing task inresponse to determining that a utilization of the processor module isbelow a threshold value.
 3. The networking device of claim 1, whereinthe communication module is arranged to receive the distributedcomputing task and to transmit the distributed computing result using apowerline.
 4. The networking device of claim 1, wherein thecommunication module is arranged to receive the distributed computingtask and to transmit the distributed computing result using acellular-based network controlled by a mobile network operator (MNO). 5.The networking device of claim 1, wherein the communication module isarranged to receive the distributed computing task and to transmit thedistributed computing result according to a wireless data communicationstandard.
 6. The networking device of claim 1, wherein the communicationmodule is arranged to receive the distributed computing task and totransmit the distributed computing result using infrared-basedcommunications.
 7. The networking device of claim 1, wherein theconnector is compliant with American National Standards Institute (ANSI)C136.
 8. The networking device of claim 1, wherein the connectorincludes: at least three pin structures, the at least three pinstructures arranged for removable electromechanical coupling to astreetlight fixture administered by a government entity.
 9. Thenetworking device of claim 1, wherein the processor module is arrangedto provide the light control signal based on the distributed computingresult.
 10. The networking device of claim 1, wherein the communicationmodule is arranged to receive a message generated based on thedistributed computing result, and the processor module is arranged toprovide the light control signal based on the message.
 11. A distributedcomputing system, comprising: a plurality of networking devices, each ofthe networking devices including; a light sensor; a processor modulearranged to provide a light control signal based on at least one ambientlight signal generated by the light sensor, and to obtain a distributedcomputing result based on a distributed computing task; a communicationmodule arranged to receive the distributed computing task and totransmit the distributed computing result according to a datacommunication standard; and a connector compliant with a roadway arealighting standard promoted by a standards body.
 12. The distributedcomputing system of claim 11, wherein the communication module of atleast some of the networking devices is arranged to participate in amesh network, to receive the distributed computing task and to transmitthe distributed computing result over the mesh network.
 13. Thedistributed computing system of claim 11, wherein the processor moduleof each of the networking devices is arranged to obtain the distributedcomputing result based on the distributed computing task in response todetermining that a utilization of the processor module is below athreshold value.
 14. The distributed computing system of claim 11,wherein: the communication module of at least one of the networkingdevices is arranged to receive the distributed computing task and totransmit the distributed computing result using a powerline, thecommunication module of at least one of the networking devices isarranged to receive the distributed computing task and to transmit thedistributed computing result using a cellular-based network controlledby a mobile network operator (MNO), the communication module of at leastone of the networking devices is arranged to receive the distributedcomputing task and to transmit the distributed computing result using awireless communication standard, and the communication module of atleast one of the networking devices is arranged to receive thedistributed computing task and to transmit the distributed computingresult using infrared-based communications.
 15. The distributedcomputing system of claim 11, wherein the connector of each of thenetworking devices is compliant with American National StandardsInstitute (ANSI) C136.
 16. The distributed computing system of claim 11,wherein the connector of each of the networking devices includes: atleast three pin structures, the at least three pin structures arrangedfor removable electromechanical coupling to a streetlight fixtureadministered by a government entity.
 17. The networking device of claim11, wherein the communication module of at least one of the networkingdevices is arranged to receive a message generated based on thedistributed computing result, and the processor module of the at leastone of the networking devices is arranged to provide the light controlsignal based on the message.
 18. A method performed by a networkingdevice having at least one light sensor and at least one communicationmodule electronically coupled thereto, the method comprising:controlling a light output of a light source based on at least oneambient light signal generated by the light sensor; receiving adistributed computing task using the at least one communication module;obtaining a distributed computing result based on the distributedcomputing task; and transmitting the distributed computing result usingthe at least one communication module.
 19. The method of claim 18,comprising: coupling the networking device to a streetlight fixture viaa connector that is compliant with a roadway area lighting standardpromoted by a standards body.
 20. The method of claim 18, comprising:obtaining a final result based on a plurality of distributed computingresults; generating a message based on the final result; transmittingthe message; and controlling the light output of the light source basedon the message.